Malaria

in Safari Planning & Tips by Araneta&Tan — September 4, 2009 at 7:07 am | 1 comment

It’s an unfortunate fact of going on a photo safari in Africa that you are going to have to take precautions against malaria. Malaria is present throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, although it is more prevalent in some areas than others. However, even if you go on a photo safari to an area where malaria is not a huge problem, such as Kruger National Park in South Africa, there is always the risk that you could become infected. But you should never allow malaria to spoil your trip, and with some simple precautions you will be able to stay completely safe when you go on your photographic safari.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by protozoan parasites. However, it is much more commonly linked to mosquitoes, which are the carriers of the disease. Every year there are an enormous 350-500 million cases of malaria across the world, which lead to between one and three million deaths, most of which are in children. Malaria occurs around the world, but the fact that 90 percent of all malaria deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa shows just how much of an African problem the disease is

How is malaria spread?

Malaria is spread through the blood, but it is almost always spread through infected mosquitoes. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can carry the parasites that cause the disease. They get these through biting an infected person, and then transfer it to a new person upon biting them. If you avoid blood contact with someone who has malaria and you don’t get bitten by an infected mosquito then you cannot catch the disease.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of malaria can range from slight chills and light-headedness to a fever, nausea and flu-like symptoms. In the most serious cases it can lead to a coma, convulsions and death. Even after treatment malaria can stay in the blood and reoccur throughout the infected person’s life. If you ever experience any of these symptoms when you are in Africa or when you arrive back home then go to the doctor immediately. A simple blood test will confirm whether you have the disease, and the quicker you get treatment the better.

Protection

Malaria is an unpleasant disease to get, but there is no reason for you to worry as long as you take precautions. These include taking anti-malarial drugs up to two weeks before you leave for your photo safari and throughout your time in Africa. These drugs are developing all the time as resistance to certain drugs increases, so make sure you check with your doctor about which is the best option for you. Two of the most commonly used are the antibiotic Doxycycline, which is taken in a daily dose, and Larium, the trade name of Mefloquine, which is taken in one weekly dose. However, Larium can have some unpleasant side effects to always check with your doctor before you start taking it.

As well as taking anti-malaria medication, the most effective way to prevent malaria is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves, especially in the evening when mosquitoes are most likely to bite you. At night you should also sleep under a mosquito net. These are cheap and highly effective, and if you douse it in insect repellent before you leave it will prove even more of a deterrent.

Tags: Africa health Malaria